The Single-Serve Spice Revolution You Didn’t Know You Needed
We sat down with the founders of Cinny to hear about why this warming spice is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
Photo Credit: Cinny
Meet the brand making cinnamon a daily ritual
In 2022, three longtime friends, Whitney Richardson, Margaret Burns, and Rosemary Carter were at a popular NYC cafe when they ordered cinnamon lattes—only to be met with no cinnamon at all. This moment sparked a question: "Why isn't cinnamon as easily accessible as sugar?" From there, the three friends decided to take the cinnamon market by storm, creating Cinny: A high-quality cinnamon product designed to offer a flavorful, antioxidant-rich boost to anyone on the go.
As a women-owned startup, all three founders shared a lived experience of trying to maintain healthy lifestyles with low-sugar options but struggled to find something without a laundry list of chemicals and ingredients. "I liked the taste of cinnamon but didn't know the benefits before starting Cinny," says Burns. "Our personal lifestyles of going to pilates and grabbing a latte after really helped us to find a need that we are looking to meet, and it's also helped us envision a target consumer," adds Richardson. With Cinny, they aim to make cinnamon a daily ritual, educating consumers on its benefits while offering convenience and quality.
Photo Credit: Cinny
Why cinnamon? What makes it special?
Cinnamon is an ancient spice that has been a part of human culture and cuisine for thousands of years and is prized as a symbol of wealth. However, not all cinnamon is created equal. Most grocery store and coffee shop cinnamon comes from the Chinese variety, which tends to be more bitter. Cinny, on the other hand, is made from ethically sourced Indonesian cinnamon, known for its naturally sweeter and more complex flavor.
The single-use packaging isn't just about convenience, it actually preserves the spice's potency. "We don't want to compromise the flavor of the cinnamon, and the packaging helps to preserve the flavor and the aroma, whereas in a shaker that evaporates quicker than you would expect," says Richardson.
Honing in on this convenient packaging concept, Cinny is targeting the fast-paced lifestyles of the modern consumer. "Especially in New York, everything is fast whenever you're in a coffee shop. It's easier to just grab (Cinny) and get on your way," says Burns.
The science-backed benefits of cinnamon
For centuries, cinnamon has been prized for its medicinal properties. "It's kind of crazy that it's 'just cinnamon,' but it actually has all of these noticeable and wonderful properties!" says Richardson.
BENEFITS OF CINNAMON:
Anti-inflammatory
Boosts metabolism
Regulates blood glucose
High in antioxidants
Anti-microbial
Anti-fungal
Analgesic
Photo Credit: Cinny
Favorite Ways to Use Cinny
Cinny is currently available on Amazon and Shopify, in addition to a few NYC spots. Check out a few of the founder's favorite recipes to incorporate Cinny into your daily life!
A naturally sweet and antioxidant-packed smoothie with a warm cinnamon twist. Ingredients: • 1 cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) • 1 banana • 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice) • 1 packet Cinny • 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional for extra fiber) • ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional) Instructions: 1. In a blender, combine all ingredients. 2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. 3. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. 4. Pour into a glass and serve immediately. | A smooth and subtly spiced take on classic cold brew. Ingredients: • 1 cup cold brew coffee • 1 packet Cinny • ¼ cup almond milk (or milk of choice) • 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional) • Ice cubes Instructions: 1. Fill a glass with ice and pour in the cold brew coffee. 2. Add one packet of Cinny and stir well to dissolve. 3. Pour in oat milk and stir again. Add sweetener if desired. 4. Enjoy immediately! | A simple, make-ahead breakfast or snack with a light cinnamon flavor. Ingredients: • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice) • ¼ cup chia seeds • 1 packet Cinny • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup • ½ tsp vanilla extract • Fresh fruit (such as sliced bananas, berries, or mango) for topping Instructions: 1. In a bowl or jar, whisk together almond milk, chia seeds, Cinny, honey, and vanilla extract. 2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until thickened. 3. Stir well before serving and top with fresh fruit. 4. Enjoy chilled! |
Cinny's SecondsPls Picks
Fellini (one of the spots you can find Cinny)
Tokyo
Indonesia (the cinnamon farm where they make Cinny!)
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